The Myth of Afterdrop

Afterdrop refers to a continued drop in core temperature after removing a hypothermic person from a cold environment. It occurs due to the cooling of the body's mass and the return of cold blood from the extremities to the heart. Contrary to the myth, it is possible to rewarm the whole patient using a bear hugger or similar forced air warming method in the field. However, caution should be taken to prevent vasodilation in the extremities, as it can lead to ventricular fibrillation. Walking a moderately hypothermic patient in the field can also cause rescue collapse, so they should be kept lying down and provided with warm fluids to slow down the afterdrop.